SAVANNAH, GA (August 29, 2019) – An operation into underage alcohol sales by Savannah Police’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance (ABC) Unit resulted in three out of 14 businesses failing, making it one of the higher compliance rates in recent operations by the unit.
“We are extremely optimistic after the results of our recent underage operation,” said Lt. Shinita Young, of the ABC Unit. “It is clear that our message is getting out, and we hope to continue to see these rates of success. There is no tolerance for businesses that serve alcohol to minors. We are continuing to encourage business owners to properly train their employees to ensure the safety of Savannah’s youth when it comes to underage alcohol consumption.
During the operation, which ran from Aug. 28-29, underage subjects visited 14 businesses, ranging from restaurants to convenience stores, to determine if they comply with Georgia law in regard to alcohol sales.
Out of the 14, three failed the operation. The managers or licensees of the establishments were notified of the alcohol sold, that the buyer was underage, if the buyer was checked for identification, how the alcohol was served or sold, and what actions would be taken by law enforcement. The Georgia Department of Revenue Alcohol and Tobacco Division will follow up with the businesses on fines they will face as a result of the failure.
The 11 businesses that passed will receive letters of congratulations from the Savannah Police Department.
According to the City of Savannah’s Alcohol Beverage Ordinance, a first offense results in a minimum fine of $500; second offense, if within 12 months of the first, results in a $750 fine; third offense, if within 18 months of the first, results in a $1,000 fine; and any further offense, if within 24 months of the first, results in issuance of a notice to appear to show cause for why the establishment’s alcohol license should not be revoked.
The following businesses were cited:
Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant, 109 Whitaker St.
Savannah Mall Shell, 14001 Abercorn St.
Tru by Hilton, 77 W. Fairmont Ave.
The following businesses passed:
Whole Foods Market, 1815 E. Victory Drive
Tandem Coffee and Spirits, 225 E. Bay St.
Six Pence Pub, 245 Bull St.
Perry Lane Hotel, 255-256 E. Perry St.
Coco & Moss, 38 Barnard St.
Hayner’s Creek 7-11, 1223 E. Montgomery Crossroads
Stop N Shop, 9137 White Bluff Road
Shop N Go 2, 11204 White Bluff Road
B&D Burgers, 11108 Abercorn St.
Dhrumil Food Mart, 12500 White Bluff Road
Dhanbantari Inc., 10401 Abercorn St.